Adidas F50.8 TunitThird version of the revolutionary soccer cleats

The concept of changing and mixing different components stays the same but additional interchangeable part and specially AllesKlar element make it seem this models is well improved.
Yes, I said make it seem like it is an improvement. Because we don't really know until we'll try it out for some time, do we?

So, let's give them a try, even though I think the whole who makes better (weirdest) soccer cleats race is getting a little crazy these days.
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Description

As the concept of mixing individual components to create soccer cleats matching your style and preferences remains the same, Adidas F50.8 Tunit consists four not three exchangeable parts.

Besides the Upper, Chassis and Studs that are part of the previous versions, new Tunit brings an additional component in Sockliner or Insole.

After choosing your Upper and inserting the Chassis, that forms the interior of the shoe and holds the studs, you need to place the Sockliner inside the shoe on the top of the Chassis.

For now (April 2008) there are:

Three different Uppers (different materials) in several colors,

Two different Chassis,

Two different Insoles and

Three Stud systems.

The Upper

Standard
New microfiber called "AdiDot" - soft, lightweight and durable synthetic, very easy to take care of and has no water retention levels which allows the shoe to keep its lightweight regardless of weather and field conditions.

ClimaCool
Material engineered to reduce building-up heat and moisture. ClimaCool provides a 360° cooling effect for the entire foot through the adiHex/mesh upper construction and ventilation cutouts in the outsole.

Leather
Calf leather that it's probably the closest in quality to Kangaroo leather. It needs some braking-in time to soften but very soft, durable and comfortable afterwards.

AllesKlar Technology
Every upper of Adidas F50.8 Tunit has this new, see-through material in the entire heel area that extends towards forefoot on the bottom of the upper.

Here is a quote from Adidas press release about AllesKlar (all clear):

In addition to modularity, Adidas has developed a transparent AllesKlar element that is both functional and extraordinarily attractive. The transparent TPU enables the further reduction of the weight of the shoe and, thanks to different degrees of hardness, results in much greater stability and flexibility. Since greater stability is required in the heel area, the material of the AllesKlar element is particularly strong and stable here, becoming softer and more flexible towards the forefoot.

Review

I don't know about this one. See-through soccer cleats? It gets a little too fancy for me. But maybe that's what it takes to win the race with Nike, or at least one stage of the race.
I am pretty sure though that the new Adidas F50.8 Tunit look very appealing to many. And it should. Even though, it's little too much for me, I have to admit that new Tunits look very innovative and somewhat interesting.

Of course the biggest role in this new look plays the AllesKlar element. But the appearance is not the most significant purpose of AllesKlar. It seems, this totally new part reduces the weight of the uppers (not so much, though) and most importantly, give more stability and protection around the heel area. It somewhat adds the characteristics of an external heel counter, which lack in the previous versions.

Another change/improvement (?) is the insole/sockliner, the fourth interchangeable component.
Basically Adidas split its original Chassis into two parts. It gives the players couple more customization options. Besides that I am not sure what the other benefits of the split are. Some claim that it reduces weight but I disagree.

Actually here it is:
The original Standard Chassis weights 4.2oz. and after the split, the Chassis weights 3.4oz. and the Insole 1.2oz.

You do the math.

The same with ClimaCool (Competition) Chassis:
Original  3.2oz., after the split, Chassis  2.6oz. Insole  1.0oz.

Naturally it didn't make any sense to split the third, orthopedic Chassis. Whoever needs to use it, now can implement his/hers own, custom made insole. These are the only players who can benefit fully with the split improvement.

The great thing about the new Adidas F50.8 Tunit is that all components from all versions are compatible with each other. This is a good news for those who already have previous versions. Now you can just try the new Upper using your old Chassis and studs or check out the new Chassis and Insole using your old Upper.

Adidas F50.8 Tunit Online

Adidas F50.8 Tunit on ebay

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